BANKS -CURRENCY-ATM’S
The local currency is the Fiji dollar ($); it’s fairly stable relative to Australian and New Zealand dollars.
The dollar is broken down into 100 cents. Bank notes come in denominations of $50, $20, $10, $5 and $2. There are coins to the value of $1, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10, $0.05, $0.02 and $0.01. Even though Fiji is now a republic, notes and coins still have a picture of England’s Queen Elizabeth II on one side.
It’s good to have a few options for accessing money – take a credit card, a debit card, some travellers cheques and a small amount of foreign currency. The best currencies to carry are Australian, New Zealand or US dollars, which can be exchanged at all banks.
Credit cards
Restaurants, shops, midrange to top-end hotels, car-rental agencies, tour and travel agents will usually accept all major credit cards. Visa, Amex and MasterCard are widely used. Some resorts charge an additional 5% for payment by credit card. Cash advances are available through credit cards at most banks in larger town
Travellers cheques
You can change travellers cheques in most banks and exchange bureaus, and at larger hotels and duty-free shops. It’s a good idea to take travellers cheques in both small and large denominations to avoid being stuck with lots of cash when leaving.
ATMs
ATMs are common in major urban areas and most accept the main international debit cards including Cirrus and Maestro. The ANZ bank has an ATM at Nadi International Airport and you’ll find more in town at Nadi and Suva. There’s also one in Savusavu, but have a backup plan (such as travellers cheques) in case it’s out of order. Although they are more commonplace, you won’t find ATMs in remote areas, so plan ahead.
Banks in Fiji
Fiji is represented by a number of well-known banking organisations. Their head offices are all located in the nation’s capital, Suva. However, they have branches and agencies in many other parts of Fiji Islands.
* Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)
* Bank of Baroda
* Colonial National Bank
* Bank of Habib
* Merchant Bank of Fiji
* Westpac Banking Corporation
Fiji Banking Hours
Banks opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afernoon; with early closing (3pm) in the afernoon on Fridays. In addition, the ANZ bank located at the Nadi International airport has a 24 hour currency exchange office in the Arrivals Concourse. All banks are closed on Public Holidays and weekends.